MR_Y
Well-known member
As per my older posts, some will know that I am a Volvo fan (in addition to Porsche and BMW).
My past Volvo history:
2007 C30 2.0i
2016 V60 Cross Country D4 (2.4) AWD Polestar Optimised*
2017 S60 (2.0T/S) Polestar Engineered**
* Polestar Optimisation means a software tune from a Volvo dealer that is available on any of their turbo cars, even going all the way back to models from 2005.
* Polestar Engineered means a heavily modified (aero, mechanical, software) Volvo from the Polestar Motorsport Division.
In Q4 2025, Volvo SA Head Office had flooded the nearly used Volvo market with their factory demo, 2024 XC60 cars - this caused the average used price of these cars to plummet. This was an opportunity for me to get back into the brand.
Choosing the right model:
The test drive of the XC60 B5 was disappointing. While the 183kw/350Nm was the on-paper claim, the reality at low speed was underwhelming acceleration. It felt like pressing the accelerator resulted in a fax message being sent through the car to deliver power and then it takes ages to respond. The 2022+ cars have no Dynamic/Sport mode and one is saddled with the default Economy mode.
There is a B6 (same 2.0 motor, but with a supercharger in addition to the B5's turbocharger), but my experience with the super high fuel consumption and unreliability of this motor in my short-lived S60 Polestar, made me give the B6 a miss.
The T8 would be the ultimate XC60, but these were not part of the heavily discounted Volvo SA fleet cars.
After some research, it was clear that a Polestar Optimisation on the B5 was the answer. I signed the OTP for the car, on condition that the dealer install the Polestar Optimisation and arrange full frontal PPF, as well as rubber mats all round.
What did I get:
2024 XC60 B5 AWD Essential spec, with 14,000km and optioned with:
- Active bending LED lights
- panoramic sunroof
- charcoal leather
- front heated seats
- Thunder metallic grey paint
- 19 inch wheels (18s standard)
All in, the car cost me the same as a similar age/mileage 2024 Tiguan 1.4.
Did Volvo deliver the goods?
Yes. The Volvo delivered the goods spectacularly. The Polestar tune only moves up the on-paper figures from 183kw/350Nm to 188kw/400Nm, but the biggest difference is in the power delivery, especially at low speeds and in the mid range. Furthermore, the following changes are noted:
- faster throttle response
- snappier gearshifts from the 8 speed Aisin unit. Also holds gear longer when you push it.
- RWD biased AWD when in full attack mode
- Dedicated full attack Polestar mode in the car's drive mode settings. Though, the optimisation is present also in Comfort mode (but with FWD biased AWD, as per stock)
The Polestar optimisation transforms the driving experience. Even in Comfort mode, there is more sense of urgency. Quicker response and firmer steering (though, still lacking feel) are appreciated.
As a comparison, I would say that in low to medium speed situations, this XC60 feels quicker than my Macan Mk1 S Diesel. Thinking back to my 2020 Porsche Lockdown Laps experience with the Mk2 Macan 2.0T, I would say this Volvo is genuinely faster. The mild hybrid system in the B5 seems to be useful at eliminating low speed turbo lag, instead of being a fuel saving device, especially when one has the Polestar tune.
However, this is no Porsche when it comes to handling. It is a soft and comfy suspension. There is noticeable body roll, but it still keeps its composure. Compared to my poverty spec (non-M sport) X3 G01 20d, it cannot compete on handling curves in a fun way. It is a solid car to drive fast, but in the twisties you will back off because the suspension is designed to give you a comfy ride, rather than a sporty ride. I am not complaining too much, since it still blasts away most rival SUVs (and warm hot hatches) with its engine performance. In the bends, I just take it a bit easy - which is perfect for our potholed roads in JHB.
Regarding interior quality, the fit and feel of the materials feels more premium than what I have seen in the X3 or GLC. There is soft touch materials almost everywhere. Note that this is the poverty spec "Essential" trim, but it is still made with proper luxury and attention to detail in mind.
Interestingly, this XC60 is made in China, but developed/designed in Sweden. With the claim that there is no difference in component materials between the China and Sweden factories. From what I can see and feel in the car, I do not disagree.
The infotainment situation on the 2022+ cars is a mixed bag and needs further unpacking....
Volvo deciced to let Google run with the dev and software maintenance of its infotainment systems since 2022. The main benefit is that Google will ensure that the latest updates are provided and Volvo can instead focus on car things and not infotainment things.
For context, I am a multiple Android user and I love digging into my device settings and tweaking my data, battery, storage, utility functions, etc for all my apps and ensure that my device works the way that I want it to. I do not own an Apple device and I prefer a hands on approach to deep diving into tech that I use.
The Google based system in the Volvo suits me. However, if you are a basic Android user or an iPhone user, then the system in the Volvo may be frustrating to use.
The Volvo Google system is an Android system. So when you link your Android phone via Android Auto, you end up having two Google systems (so, 2 Google Assistants, 2 Google Maps, 2 YouTube Musics, etc). This can get frustrating, unless you clearly demarcate the functions you want the car's Google to do vs your phone. It took me a week to fine tune this setup, so it now works seamlessly for me. However, I can see may people (especially iPhone users) being put off. The pre-Google era (pre 2022) Volvos have the Volvo Sensus system, which is a traditional car infotainment system.
Another consideration is that the SA spec Volvos do not come with a data plan for the Google systems. So, you need to run your phone as a WiFi hotspot in the car, or you just run Android Auto only and kill the data functions of the in-car Google system.
I managed to workout the Google system and now everything works the way I want it to.
Besides the tech consideration, this is an excellent family SUV at the price (being used price, obviously!). The car feels like an old school Merc in terms of fit and finish and how it absorbs bumps and handles.
Under the Polestar drive mode, it does sound fruity (though not sure if these are enhanced sounds from the speakers) and has some serious get up and go.
Spirited driving over a week has resulted in an average fuel consumption of 11.x litres per 100km. More Comfort focussed driving reduces it to 8.0 litres per 100km.
A trip to KZN is planned for next week.
Anyway, here are the pictures.
Discrete Polestar badge. Though, this is not a Polestar fully Engineered car, just an Optimised one.
Panoramic roof included in all the Volvo SA factory demo stock.
Android/Google interface - loved by some, but hated by iPhone users.
Proper leather interior. Old school Merc vibes in terms of build quality and comfort.
Space saver spare wheel
Boot space
Driver seat with memory, standard.
Heated seats also.
All windows are laminated from factory.
Thunder grey metallic looks different to vanilla Volvo colours
My past Volvo history:
2007 C30 2.0i
2016 V60 Cross Country D4 (2.4) AWD Polestar Optimised*
2017 S60 (2.0T/S) Polestar Engineered**
* Polestar Optimisation means a software tune from a Volvo dealer that is available on any of their turbo cars, even going all the way back to models from 2005.
* Polestar Engineered means a heavily modified (aero, mechanical, software) Volvo from the Polestar Motorsport Division.
In Q4 2025, Volvo SA Head Office had flooded the nearly used Volvo market with their factory demo, 2024 XC60 cars - this caused the average used price of these cars to plummet. This was an opportunity for me to get back into the brand.
Choosing the right model:
The test drive of the XC60 B5 was disappointing. While the 183kw/350Nm was the on-paper claim, the reality at low speed was underwhelming acceleration. It felt like pressing the accelerator resulted in a fax message being sent through the car to deliver power and then it takes ages to respond. The 2022+ cars have no Dynamic/Sport mode and one is saddled with the default Economy mode.
There is a B6 (same 2.0 motor, but with a supercharger in addition to the B5's turbocharger), but my experience with the super high fuel consumption and unreliability of this motor in my short-lived S60 Polestar, made me give the B6 a miss.
The T8 would be the ultimate XC60, but these were not part of the heavily discounted Volvo SA fleet cars.
After some research, it was clear that a Polestar Optimisation on the B5 was the answer. I signed the OTP for the car, on condition that the dealer install the Polestar Optimisation and arrange full frontal PPF, as well as rubber mats all round.
What did I get:
2024 XC60 B5 AWD Essential spec, with 14,000km and optioned with:
- Active bending LED lights
- panoramic sunroof
- charcoal leather
- front heated seats
- Thunder metallic grey paint
- 19 inch wheels (18s standard)
All in, the car cost me the same as a similar age/mileage 2024 Tiguan 1.4.
Did Volvo deliver the goods?
Yes. The Volvo delivered the goods spectacularly. The Polestar tune only moves up the on-paper figures from 183kw/350Nm to 188kw/400Nm, but the biggest difference is in the power delivery, especially at low speeds and in the mid range. Furthermore, the following changes are noted:
- faster throttle response
- snappier gearshifts from the 8 speed Aisin unit. Also holds gear longer when you push it.
- RWD biased AWD when in full attack mode
- Dedicated full attack Polestar mode in the car's drive mode settings. Though, the optimisation is present also in Comfort mode (but with FWD biased AWD, as per stock)
The Polestar optimisation transforms the driving experience. Even in Comfort mode, there is more sense of urgency. Quicker response and firmer steering (though, still lacking feel) are appreciated.
As a comparison, I would say that in low to medium speed situations, this XC60 feels quicker than my Macan Mk1 S Diesel. Thinking back to my 2020 Porsche Lockdown Laps experience with the Mk2 Macan 2.0T, I would say this Volvo is genuinely faster. The mild hybrid system in the B5 seems to be useful at eliminating low speed turbo lag, instead of being a fuel saving device, especially when one has the Polestar tune.
However, this is no Porsche when it comes to handling. It is a soft and comfy suspension. There is noticeable body roll, but it still keeps its composure. Compared to my poverty spec (non-M sport) X3 G01 20d, it cannot compete on handling curves in a fun way. It is a solid car to drive fast, but in the twisties you will back off because the suspension is designed to give you a comfy ride, rather than a sporty ride. I am not complaining too much, since it still blasts away most rival SUVs (and warm hot hatches) with its engine performance. In the bends, I just take it a bit easy - which is perfect for our potholed roads in JHB.
Regarding interior quality, the fit and feel of the materials feels more premium than what I have seen in the X3 or GLC. There is soft touch materials almost everywhere. Note that this is the poverty spec "Essential" trim, but it is still made with proper luxury and attention to detail in mind.
Interestingly, this XC60 is made in China, but developed/designed in Sweden. With the claim that there is no difference in component materials between the China and Sweden factories. From what I can see and feel in the car, I do not disagree.
The infotainment situation on the 2022+ cars is a mixed bag and needs further unpacking....
Volvo deciced to let Google run with the dev and software maintenance of its infotainment systems since 2022. The main benefit is that Google will ensure that the latest updates are provided and Volvo can instead focus on car things and not infotainment things.
For context, I am a multiple Android user and I love digging into my device settings and tweaking my data, battery, storage, utility functions, etc for all my apps and ensure that my device works the way that I want it to. I do not own an Apple device and I prefer a hands on approach to deep diving into tech that I use.
The Google based system in the Volvo suits me. However, if you are a basic Android user or an iPhone user, then the system in the Volvo may be frustrating to use.
The Volvo Google system is an Android system. So when you link your Android phone via Android Auto, you end up having two Google systems (so, 2 Google Assistants, 2 Google Maps, 2 YouTube Musics, etc). This can get frustrating, unless you clearly demarcate the functions you want the car's Google to do vs your phone. It took me a week to fine tune this setup, so it now works seamlessly for me. However, I can see may people (especially iPhone users) being put off. The pre-Google era (pre 2022) Volvos have the Volvo Sensus system, which is a traditional car infotainment system.
Another consideration is that the SA spec Volvos do not come with a data plan for the Google systems. So, you need to run your phone as a WiFi hotspot in the car, or you just run Android Auto only and kill the data functions of the in-car Google system.
I managed to workout the Google system and now everything works the way I want it to.
Besides the tech consideration, this is an excellent family SUV at the price (being used price, obviously!). The car feels like an old school Merc in terms of fit and finish and how it absorbs bumps and handles.
Under the Polestar drive mode, it does sound fruity (though not sure if these are enhanced sounds from the speakers) and has some serious get up and go.
Spirited driving over a week has resulted in an average fuel consumption of 11.x litres per 100km. More Comfort focussed driving reduces it to 8.0 litres per 100km.
A trip to KZN is planned for next week.
Anyway, here are the pictures.
Discrete Polestar badge. Though, this is not a Polestar fully Engineered car, just an Optimised one.
Panoramic roof included in all the Volvo SA factory demo stock.
Android/Google interface - loved by some, but hated by iPhone users.
Proper leather interior. Old school Merc vibes in terms of build quality and comfort.
Space saver spare wheel
Boot space
Driver seat with memory, standard.
Heated seats also.
All windows are laminated from factory.
Thunder grey metallic looks different to vanilla Volvo colours
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